Tips on Collecting Old Fishing Tackle

There are literally thousands of different companies, styles of lures, and colors to collect. So where does one start? First, one should collect what appeals to them. It may be older classic lures made by one of the 5 big companies, Creek Chub, Heddon, South Bend, Shakespeare or Pflueger, or one might specialize in lures made by smaller companies like Jim Pfeffer, Millsite, or Clark. Whatever you choose, you will need to focus on colors, styles, or some other classification.

I chose to collect Creek Chub and their wholesale line Shur Strike. The colors, styles, and craftsmanship are amazing!

Assorted Shur Strike Lures & Boxes

Creek Chub Lures in Golden Shiner Color

Paw Paw Lures

Assorted Heddon Lures

Before you start collecting, it is important to understand and identify lures.  There are two very good all purpose books on the market. One by Carl Luckey called "Old Fishing Lures" and another by Karl White called "Fishing Tackle". I would start by getting these two books, and also checking the internet on sites like "Joes old Lures". Joes, has a message board that is very active and has helpful members.

http://www.joesoldlures.com

There also are a couple of great clubs to join that put together Lure Shows where collectors can meet, trade tackle, display collections, and buy & sell. The two clubs are the FATC based out of Florida, http://www.fatc.net  and the NFLCC which can be found at http://www.nflcc.org

Want to sell your old fishing tackle?

I am always buying old fishing tackle whether it is Creek Chub or any other company. I can evaluate the tackle that you have and give you an honest and fair estimate. Let me know if I can help you, or if you just want to "cash in" on what you have, feel free to contact me at:  [email protected]

I also have a book available on Shur Strike lures at Whitefish Press.  www.whitefishpress.com

Rick Osterholt Antique Tackle collector and author